Speaker Request

As part of our mission to provide practical education for building a better future, Extension offers educational programs on a variety of topics. Request an expert speaker to come to your classroom, community group or virtually anywhere you need us in Sarasota County. Minimum group sizes apply.

View descriptions for available topics by clicking on a category below (view all categories). To request a speaker, use our online form.

Youth-themed topics

Event

Description

Energy and Water Conservation

Family sustainability kit including energy and water conservation wheels & activities

Energy Vampire

Hands-on art project making vampires out of art supplies and an energy vampire worksheet to take home

Insects and Butterflies

Touches on many examples of insects, interesting facts, and body parts.

Leaves

Describes types of leaves through a matching activity and leaf rubbing activity.

Pollinators

Describes native pollinators, habitat for pollinators, and the pollination process. Includes a hands-on pollination activity.

General audience topics

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Event

Description

Closing Up Your Florida Home

Unoccupied homes in Florida are prime targets for mildew growth, storm damage, and pests. Learn how to prepare your home – inside and out – before leaving for a long time, with a checklist provided to help you remember key tasks.

Electric Avenue: Supporting Electric Vehicles in Sarasota County

Learn the basics of how electric vehicles work, the benefits they provide, considerations for those interested in buying one, and the area's charging infrastructure. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be available to view on site.

Every Drop Counts: Water Conservation Inside Your Home and In Your Landscape

Want to understand where your water comes from, and how to conserve it and save money? We will discuss Sarasota County's water supply and treatment, understanding your water bill, and conserving water in your home's bathroom, kitchen, pool, landscape, and more.

Florida-Friendly Basics: FFL 101

This class will teach you the basics of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program. We will show you the nine principles that can help you have a successful, beautiful lawn and garden while protecting our natural resources.

Florida-Friendly Basics: Pests and Pollinators

What is that bug? Learn all about common yard pests and pollinators. We will practice insect identifications and discuss the many ways to utilize beneficial insects in our landscapes.

Florida-Friendly Basics: Wicked Weeds

Tired of battling weedy plants? Learn how to accurately identify common yard invaders. We will cover lawn weeds, common invasive urban species, and various methods for controlling unwanted plant pests.

Florida-Friendly Basics: Water Conservation

Focus on the many ways that you can conserve water in the landscape. Discuss the different water catchment systems, rain barrels, rain gardens and bioswales. Learn how to save money and water in your garden during this interactive class.

Green Living

Where do you start on the road to sustainable living? This class will introduce ideas for energy and water savings, waste reduction, and more, as well as provide community resources to help you.

Solar in the Sunshine State: The Basics of Solar Energey for Florida Homeownersl

Want to know more about solar energy in Florida? This workshop will focus on the basic technology, calculating return on investment, policies affecting solar adoption and incentives to help pay for it.